United Spinal Association Jobs

Scientific Assistant Available Title(s): 1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Business Title: Scientific Assistant Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month Position Details: Summary of Duties: The Scientific Assistant will contribute to research and service related to urban tree health and community engagement in western Washington, but they will also help with other projects in the Ornamental Plant Pathology program. They will perform journey-level research and investigative duties under technical direction to support studies concerning biological sciences as applied to agriculture and natural resources. They will identify and define research problems, design approaches or hypotheses, and summarize and disseminate findings through the preparation of manuscripts, progress reports, and storymaps. Research | 25% The Scientific Assistant will independently conduct research by applying established or modified methods. Major tasks include visiting trees in the Puget sound to survey for diseases such as sooty bark disease and collecting samples and data. They will participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols, experiments, techniques and procedures. In some projects, they will select locations for sampling independently. They will assist with planning and organizing the logistics research projects, preparing equipment and purchasing supplies, developing and implementing experimental protocols and establishing cooperative programs with other research units. Setting up, calibrating, operating, maintaining and repairing various scientific measurement and sampling instruments and systems as well as electronic data acquisition and control systems. Office and Data | 10% Computer tasks will include organizing and analyzing data, designing educational materials such as guides, posters and story maps, and writing fact-sheets and manuscripts. They will also assist with the development of program and project ideas, marketing materials, reports and proposals to granting agencies and foundations. The employee will maintain records of experiments and compiling data into graphic, tabular or other formatting. They will analyze and interpret collected research data and ensure quality control by make improvements to techniques and interpretation. Laboratory Operations | 25% Tasks will include assisting in the laboratory with diagnostics, culturing, and cataloging samples. Performs laboratory research including the implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of approaches from published literature. Common laboratory tasks will include extracting DNA, completing PCR protocols to amplify DNA, and submitting samples for sequencing. The Scientific Assistant will also assist with management of daily laboratory operations. Conducts general laboratory maintenance and routine care of scientific instrumentation, orders supplies, keeps inventory records and maintains a safe working environment. The employee will manage operation of specialized equipment in laboratory including set up, calibration, monitoring performance and performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and scientific instrumentation. Outreach | 25% The employee will assist with community and youth engagement activities and the coordination of volunteer events. The employee will help coordinate events and programming related to engagement opportunities for volunteers, community scientists, and student internships. Duties will also require assisting with program promotion by tabling at events or parks. Some travel to events will be required. Major tasks will also include graphic design for the co-production of invasive species awareness materials with frontline communities such as Tribal nations. Supervision and Training | 10% The